At 81, Still Working Part-Time: Lessons from an Unretired Life

Kathy Curtis, at 81, finds herself employed part-time with a local water company, earning $18 an hour. The additional income is crucial for her to meet her financial needs.

Reflecting on her life, Curtis remarks that her work history isn’t a traditional career but rather a series of diverse jobs necessary for survival. When she completed high school, societal norms limited women's career choices significantly, steering them predominantly towards teaching or nursing. This restriction influenced her decision not to pursue a college education.

A Life of Many Roles

Curtis embarked on her work journey at 15 in a department store. Over the years, she transitioned through banking roles and various other opportunities as they arose. This adaptability was crucial when, after her second marriage ended, she found herself juggling multiple jobs to sustain herself.

As someone who has held numerous roles, including traffic coordinator for a cable firm and prepping houses for paintwork, Curtis has always been proactive about embracing new skills to earn a living.

Health Challenges and Resilience

Her career saw a pause when she faced a series of health hurdles, including cancer and a brain tumor, followed by a hip replacement. Despite these challenges, Curtis's determination remained undaunted. By 2013, although initially unsuccessful in her job search due to her health, she continued to pursue opportunities.

Community Ties and Financial Struggles

Curtis currently works at the water company, a position she's held for a decade, finding fulfillment in her community interactions. The camaraderie she experiences there adds a social dimension to her life, keeping her connected and engaged. Despite working, her financial situation remains tight, with Social Security and her earnings barely covering her basic expenses.

Enduring Family Responsibilities

Living with her adult grandson, Curtis has always been a family-oriented person. From raising her grandson to having her daughter and other grandchildren live with her, family responsibilities have been a constant.

Homeownership was a significant milestone for her, enabled by an inheritance she wisely invested. However, securing the house required private financial routes due to conventional loan ineligibility, a testament to her resourcefulness.

Reflections on Life and Work

Curtis views her work not as a burden but a necessity she is willing to sustain as long as possible. She finds little appeal in retirement given the satisfaction and necessity her job provides over potential commutes and increased costs elsewhere.

Ultimately, Curtis emphasizes that regrets are futile, choosing instead to focus on contentment and the joys of familial connections, particularly with her great-grandchildren. Her life's philosophy revolves around letting go of uncontrollable elements and cherishing present happiness.